Dana Point, CA – “Just Happy to be Included” – Doheny Days – September 16, 2000

I attempted to paint my naked toenails red while riding in the van—a decision I quickly regretted. In the passenger seat heading up I-405 towards Dana Point, I propped my feet on the dashboard. Holding the polish brush steady, I relied on the highway’s bumps to jostle my nails against the bristles. Unsurprisingly, my attempt resulted in a mess—a murder of red polish on my feet as well as on the dashboard.

Our day started at the Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica where I discovered Kyle’d stole the miniature lotion out of our bathroom before I could use it to sooth my sunburn. Soucy and I ventured out for a morning run along the beach, joining a throng of joggers each donning “Los Angeles Marathon in training” T-shirts. Judging by the sheer number and their varying fitness levels, it seemed like it must be the first week of training. “25,000 sweaty little reasons not to move to LA,” Soucy quipped as he retreated to the bathroom. His grumble prompted me to call after him, “Wake up on the wrong side of the bed, Soucy?” which set the tone for his smart ass demeanor the rest of the day.

The show was set up outside, along the beach. Although there were two stages, the music flowed seamlessly as one band finished and the next began. Strolling through the festival, the sun blazed overhead. Vendors called out to us with wares ranging from bathing suits to sky chairs and the air was rich with the scent of chicken teriyaki and flat beer—an intoxicating mix. It was a perfect day filled with fantastic music from bands like Tommy Castro, Dave Mason, Ozomatli, the iconic Steve Miller Band, the legendary John Lee Hooker, and of course, …. us …. just happy to be included.